Siem Reap (FN), Sep. 14 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen and also the rotating chair of ASEAN in 2022, said that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) should have its independent and authoritative secretariat that plays a key role in coordinating, promoting, and monitoring the implementation of this agreement.

The premier spoke at the 54th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting and Related Meetings, held on Wednesday morning (Sep 14) at Siem Reap, Cambodia.

“ASEAN should continue enhancing cooperation with external partners based on the principle of equity and mutual interest through maximizing the benefits of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and existing ASEAN plus one agreement with further upgrading; and in particular, ensuring full and effective implementation of RCEP agreement, which was generally entered into force on 1 January 2022,” the premier underlined.

“Regarding maximizing the benefit of RCEP agreement, member states should make the utmost effort in implementing commitments and continue the negotiations on opening up the markets, aimed to attract other big economies to participate in this agreement. In this regard, this agreement should have its independent and authoritative secretariat that plays a key role in coordinating, promoting, and monitoring the implementation of this agreement. Cambodia remains interested, and offers all possibilities and concessions to host this secretariat,” the premier continued.

In August 2022, premier Hun Sen unveiled that Cambodia has ambitions to set up the Secretariat of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) in Phnom Penh.

RCEP consists of 15 member states namely 10 ASEAN’s members and five of ASEAN’s FTA partners such as China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the South-Korea.
=FRESH NEWS